“Dreams of Heaven” Novella — Christian, New Age or Beyond Labels?

The inspiration for Dreams of Heaven came to me in a vivid dream. As a healer, I’ve learned to pay attention to vivid dreams, which are a rare occurrence, but always offer profound answers and insights. In this particular dream, Jesus Christ appeared and showed me four scenes. I knew when I awoke that I would write Dreams of Heaven. But why feature Jesus Christ? I’m not Christian. Although I do confess that Jesus is always a part of my shamanic healings (shamanism is a Native American practice) where he appears as a spirit guide. I suppose a Christian would say that Jesus comes to me in a focused prayer, but alas, enough with the labels.

So, one month after the dream and during a winter holiday break, I began to write. But how do you write a story that is not your own? I had no idea how the dream’s scenes would come together or how the story would end. In fact, I couldn’t even conceive of a good ending.

During the writing process, I sat quietly before each session and prayed for inspiration, then typed whatever came to me. (It soon became obvious that it was also a lesson in learning to listen to the Divine Voice, and releasing the fears that prevented me from publically stating unorthodox teachings.) The story began to weave itself between two realities. In one, a dream of a car accident haunts the main character, Savannah Watson. In the other, she deals with the tragic aftermath. As Savannah struggles with the prophetic dream, Jesus appears and speaks to her. He goes grocery shopping with her, and for walks on the beach, answering her questions (even if she doesn’t always think so).

Unlike many novels and movies that offer generic and vague answers, in Dreams of Heaven, Jesus offers specific messages — but they are given through the interpretation of love, leaving fear and judgement at the door. Messages that many Christians would say dispute the Bible’s teachings, but do they?

The church has offered an interpretation for millenniums, but interpretations can vary. Who is right? I’m not sure it matters. We all have a path to follow, and we choose the one that is right for us. At one time, Christianity was right for me. However, in my early 20s, I lost my faith for a decade before my belief in God and Jesus returned, but without the religious connotations. God without religion? What a novel idea (no pun intended). Which means, this book’s message isn’t right for everyone. But for those looking for answers about redemption without judgement or condemnation, this book is just right.

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Reviews

“Dreams of Heaven compels you to examine your beliefs about life and death. You will be drawn to read every page.” —Reverend Emile Gauvreau, Center for Spiritual Living Cape Coral

“Dreams of Heaven is a beautifully crafted story that centers on the dream/reality of a terrible family tragedy and the main character’s sudden ability to see and converse with Jesus Christ. Heartfelt and deeply moving, the book is like an epiphanous dream probing the mysteries of birth, life, and death. It is one of those gems of spiritual literature that becomes a permanent fixture in our lives, always remembered as a gift for that special friend with whom we wish to share our most deeply felt beliefs.” — Hal Zina Bennett, Ph.D., Best-selling Author of Write From the Heart and Follow Your Bliss